Some cities are rather awkward, being very cold in winter but not located in areas with central heating. Recently, temperatures have dropped significantly across most of the country, and this sudden temperature change can be detrimental to pots. Winter is a high-risk season for damage to purple clay pots. When using and Drinking Tea from your pot during the winter, please pay attention to the following points!
The situations that usually lead to cracking are as follows:
1. Special clays and pot shapes: In purple clay pots, special attention should be paid to clays with high crystallinity and unevenly walled shapes (such as Gong Chun pots).
Crystallinity, or the degree of vitrification during firing, is an inherent property of the clay, and different clays achieve varying degrees of crystallization when fired.
Among purple clays, Zhu Ni has a higher crystallinity, followed by Zi Ni, then Lu Ni and Duan Ni. Clays such as Zhu Ni and Da Hong Pao in red clay pots have a high natural crystallinity after firing, resulting in a glassy surface. As a result, they are more prone to cracking than other clays when subjected to sudden changes in temperature during use.
2. The pot itself has hidden injuries: These injuries may have occurred during firing, causing fine cracks in the body of the pot. However, such pots are typically weeded out during post-firing inspection and rarely reach the hands of enthusiasts.
In the process of making a purple clay pot, the various connecting parts—the handle, spout, knob, and base—may become vulnerable if the potter uses too little slip or thins these connections with a needle tool.
The last situation involves a pot that has been knocked or struck during use, even if no immediate problems appear, the pot may have suffered “internal injuries.” If used improperly, such as when there is a significant difference between environmental and water temperatures, the already weakened pot may crack.
3. Temperature effects: Long-term exposure to direct sunlight can also cause cracks in purple clay pots. There are cases where a pot fractures due to sudden temperature changes or uneven heating and cooling while brewing Tea.
Especially in winter, when the pot's body temperature is already relatively low, pouring boiling water directly into the pot to brew tea can result in cracking, which is another form of thermal shock.
4. Pots unused for a long time: If a pot has not been used for a long time, due to prolonged exposure to air, the moisture within the walls becomes uneven, or the body dries excessively, the pores of the purple clay can dry out completely, and the structure of the pot can become loose, especially for pots made from clays with larger particles like Duan Ni. Suddenly pouring boiling water into such a pot can easily cause it to crack.
01
Warm the pot before brewing tea
In winter, it is not advisable to pour hot water directly into the pot to brew tea, as the pot's body temperature is already low, and the room temperature is also low. Pouring boiling water directly into the pot could cause cracking due to the sudden expansion and contraction.
However, maintaining a pot in winter is not as daunting or complicated as one might think.
Before daily use in winter, you can first pour warm water into the pot until it is about half full, close the lid, and gently shake it a few times to ensure even heating. Then, pour out the water, which can be used to rinse Teacups or poured over the exterior of the pot. After this, you can proceed to add tea leaves and brew normally.
You can also pour warm water into a sharing pitcher first, then use the water from the pitcher to rinse the interior of the pot, cover it, and pour water over the exterior, allowing the pot to gradually warm up. Then, pour out the water and proceed to brew tea. You can adjust this method according to personal preference, but remember to do so gently.
02
Different clays require different treatment
Enthusiasts who favor Zhu Ni pots know that, compared to other clays, Zhu Ni has a naturally high shrinkage rate. Zhu Ni pots make tea taste smooth and delicious, and their color deepens to a beautiful red after regular use, captivating many lovers of tea pots.
Particularly those who enjoy Fujian Tie Guan Yin, Taiwanese high mountain teas, and highly aromatic teas tend to prefer small Zhu Ni pots.
Zhu Ni has fewer pores than Zi Ni, leading to faster heat conduction. Due to its small size and thin walls, external temperatures affect the pot quickly. When the external temperature is much lower than normal, pouring boiling water directly into the pot can cause it to crack. In winter, be sure to warm the pot before use, especially Zhu Ni pots.
03
Different thicknesses of pot walls
In winter, users should be cautious with thin-walled pots. Thin-walled pots are highly skilled works, as they are light and easy to use, making them popular among many enthusiasts.
When using thin-walled pots, be careful, especially in winter. Whether in the south or north, if there is a large temperature difference, be sure to warm the pot before use. If you have a substitute pot, consider storing your thin-walled pot away during the winter and waiting for warmer weather to use it again.
04 Prevention of Oil
In winter, many people enjoy holding their purple clay pots while sipping tea, as it not only nurtures the pot but also warms the hands, achieving two goals at once. However, it is important to keep your hands clean.
Due to the cold in winter, remember not to handle the pot immediately after eating; wash your hands before handling the pot and brewing tea (it is not recommended to drink tea immediately after eating).
Also, due to the dryness of winter, skin tightens, and hand creams and other skincare products are commonly used. Do not handle the pot immediately after applying skincare products.
Firstly, to prevent slipping, and secondly, because the double-pore structure of purple clay has strong adsorption capabilities. If oily or cream-covered hands are used to handle the pot, odors and oily substances can easily be absorbed by the surface, causing an unnatural sheen.
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